Director's Message
Spring has sprung and with it a renewed enthusiasm for new growth and exciting opportunities in 2024. First and foremost, we’re excited that the day is truly arriving for the groundbreaking of the Waterloo Eye Institute! Our moonshot project has arrived to create a national centre of excellence to support education, research, patient care access, and community impact.
Features
Alumni Spotlight: Robert Lidkea
Stepping away from a 72-year career
Dr. Robert Lidkea has been first in a lot of areas, starting when he forced a tuxedo-clad doctor to leave a New Year’s party to deliver him in North Bay. He was the hospital’s first baby of 1931. Recently, however, he gave up on being last – the oldest practicing optometrist in Ontario. He turned 93 the day he retired from his practice in Fort Frances, Ontario.
Upcoming events
2024 has started off with a welcomed flurry of events at the School and in our community. Here are few you won't want to miss!
Seeing more with advanced eye imaging
New School of Optometry & Vision Science research centre poised to make advancements in understanding diseases and conditions of the eye and beyond
A new research centre at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science aims to use advanced eye imaging to make breakthroughs in better understanding, diagnosing and treating eye conditions and diseases. It also aims to use the eye's unique properties to find biomarkers that could aid interdisciplinary teams in the early identification of systemic disease.
Contact Lens Prescribing Survey
For the past 20 years Canadian optometrists have participated in an annual, worldwide study to investigate the current state of contact lens prescribing. The Center for Ocular Research & Education at the University of Waterloo collaborates with the University of Manchester (UK) to investigate the current state of contact lens prescribing in their respective countries. The benefit of the survey is to enable practitioners to gain an understanding of current contact lens prescribing trends in Canada as well as other countries worldwide. In the past, paper surveys were mailed to practitioners throughout Canada. This year we are moving to a different format.
Groundbreaking and Alumni Weekend announcement
You’re invited for a celebratory weekend at the School! Alumni CE Weekend offers a golden opportunity for optometrists to enrich their knowledge and skills with 12 hours of continuing education (CE) credits while reconnecting with former classmates and colleagues in Waterloo. Our esteemed faculty and guest speakers will delve into cutting-edge advancements and best practices, ensuring attendees stay at the forefront of their profession. As part of this momentous occasion, we are thrilled to announce the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Waterloo Eye Institute on Friday June 7, 2024. This groundbreaking marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in our school's history—a chapter dedicated to advancing eye care, research and education.
Class notes
In this section of the Insight alumni newsletter, we invite you to share your personal updates with other Optometry & Vision Science alumni, up to a maximum of 100 words, with an optional photo. We’d all love to hear about your weddings, babies, retirements, achievements, milestones and anything else you’d like to share.